First published at 365gay.com on January 8, 2010 The column that follows is about anal sex. Some friends have urged me against writing it, not because readers find frank discussions of anal sex “icky,” but because the offending comments’ source—Peter LaBarbera—is unworthy of serious attention. In one sense these friends are quite right. But for… Continue reading Fighting Gay Dehumanization
Tag: ethics
What Bigotry Is
First published at 365gay.com on December 4, 2009 “We all know what bigotry is,” a friend said to me recently. But do we? I mean, most of us have experienced it, and we can point to clear historical examples. But can we define it, articulating what those examples all have in common? Or is it… Continue reading What Bigotry Is
The Slippery Slope of Religious Exemptions
First published at 365gay.com on November 22, 2009 This morning, I didn’t feel like getting out of bed. I wasn’t sick; just tired. But I had a full workday scheduled. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared unto me and said, “Behold, today is a sacred day, and you must not work.” Sweet! Okay, maybe… Continue reading The Slippery Slope of Religious Exemptions
On Not Being Like Other Boys
First published at 365gay.com on November 13, 2009 It’s November, which means bookstores have next year’s calendars on display. When I was a teenager, this annual occurrence unnerved me. The “male interest” calendars”—think “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model of the Month”—held no appeal for me. Instead, I would nervously reach for a Chippendales calendar, hiding it… Continue reading On Not Being Like Other Boys
Maine, Detroit and the Closet
First published at 365gay.com on November 9, 2009 When I was a “fag” on the junior high playground, getting punched hurt even when I saw it coming. So too with Maine this past week. Like many, I was dispirited but not surprised when we lost. The rights of minorities (gays especially) generally don’t do well… Continue reading Maine, Detroit and the Closet
The Work Left To Do
First published at 365gay.com on October 30, 2009 Less than a week before the election, polls continue to show close races in both Washington State, where voters may substantially expand domestic-partner legislation, and Maine, where they may rescind marriage-equality. We could win in either state (or both)—but we could lose, too. Win or lose, there’s… Continue reading The Work Left To Do
The Homosexual Agenda
First published at Between the Lines News on October 29, 2009 Dear Parent, Gay-marriage opponents claim that we gay folk are trying to influence your children. In one sense, they are quite right. We are not trying to “recruit” your children, if by that you mean “turn them gay.” As gay people, we understand enough… Continue reading The Homosexual Agenda
Stand Up for Maine—And for Marriage
First published at 365gay.com on October 9, 2009 As much as I aim to seek common ground, some aspects of the marriage debate make it impossible. Consider, for example, the Maine campaign. If you haven’t been following the campaign, you should. To my mind, our side has done a model job in framing the debate,… Continue reading Stand Up for Maine—And for Marriage
Always and Everywhere?
First published at 365gay.com on September 4, 2009 Marriage-equality opponents frequently claim that marriage has been heterosexual since…well, since FOREVER, and that it is arrogant and foolish to tinker with such a pervasive human institution. Whatever its logical shortcomings, the “always and everywhere” argument is rhetorically effective. Even gay-rights advocates concede that marriage equality seemed… Continue reading Always and Everywhere?
Other People’s Judgments
First published at Between the Lines News on September 3, 2009 “You don’t just want us to tolerate what you gay people do,” my skeptical questioner announced, “you want us to think that it’s RIGHT.” Whenever I hear this point–and it’s pretty often–I always think to myself, “Duh.” Of course I want that. Why would… Continue reading Other People’s Judgments